Cheesy potato soup recipe

This creamy and indulgent Cheesy Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Imagine a rich, velvety broth infused with the deep flavors of sharp cheddar cheese, tender Yukon gold potatoes, and the subtle smokiness of crispy bacon. Each spoonful transports you to a cozy winter evening, where the warmth of the soup and the company of loved ones make every moment special. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the complexity of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 slices of bacon
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 tablespoons of flour
• 2 quarts (8 cups) of chicken broth
• 10 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups of half and half (or 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream)
• 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Kosher salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Green onion for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel to drain. Set aside. Pour off most of the grease but leave about 3 to 4 tablespoons in the pot.

2. Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot with the remaining bacon grease. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.

3. Create the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Add the Broth: Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking constantly with a large whisk to make a slurry. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally.

6. Blend the Soup: Carefully place half of the soup in a blender, immersion blender, or food processor, and blend until smooth. Be careful not to overfill the blender; you may need to do this in batches.

7. Combine and Add Cheese: Add the blended mixture back to the soup pot and stir in the shredded cheese and cooked bacon. Add salt and pepper to taste.

8. Finish with Cream: Stir in the half and half (or milk and heavy cream) until well combined.

9. Serve: Ladle the soup into individual bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheese, sour cream, and/or chopped green onion if desired.

Top Tips:

1. Use High-Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is essential for the rich flavor of this soup. Consider using a block of Tillamook cheddar for the best results.

2. Don’t Overfill the Blender: When blending the soup, make sure not to overfill the blender to avoid spills and messes.

3. Reserve Bacon Grease: The bacon grease adds a smoky flavor to the soup. Reserve as much of it as possible to ensure the best taste.

4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

5. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chopped green onions or chives add a fresh, herbaceous note to the soup. Consider using them as a garnish for added flavor and visual appeal.

6. Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, prepare the soup up to the point of adding cheese and cream, then refrigerate or freeze it until ready to serve.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead for a vegetarian version of the soup.

2. Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give the soup a spicy kick.

3. Different Cheese: Experiment with other types of cheese like white cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda for a unique flavor profile.

4. Additional Toppings: Consider adding other toppings like crumbled ham, diced ham, or even a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

5. Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more flour to the roux.

6. Make it Lighter: Use less cheese and cream to make the soup lighter and healthier.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes:
This Cheesy Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. The sharp cheddar cheese adds a significant amount of calories and fat, but it also provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein. To make the soup healthier, consider using less cheese and cream or substituting with lower-fat alternatives. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth can reduce the sodium content of the soup.